London police arrested around 425 people on Saturday during a protest in support of Palestine Action, a group recently banned under UK terror laws.

Several hundred demonstrators gathered outside the British parliament, carrying placards that read “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” The Metropolitan Police had warned ahead of the rally that explicit support for the outlawed group would lead to arrests.

“We are not terrorists. The ban must be lifted,” said Polly Smith, a 74-year-old retiree, speaking to AFP. Nigel, a 62-year-old recycling company executive, called the July ban “totally inappropriate,” adding that the government “should spend more time working on trying to stop genocide, rather than trying to stop protesters.” He was later detained as fellow demonstrators shouted “Shame on you!” at officers.

Tensions escalated when protesters attempted to block arrests, leading to skirmishes with police. The Met said offences included assaults on officers.

Controversial ban under scrutiny

Palestine Action was proscribed under the UK’s Terrorism Act of 2000 after a series of direct actions, including vandalism at a Royal Air Force base that caused an estimated £7 million ($10 million) in damages.

Critics such as Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and UN experts have denounced the move as excessive, warning it threatens free expression and protest rights. More than 800 people have been arrested since the ban was imposed, with 138 charged with supporting or encouraging support for the group. Most could face up to six months in prison if convicted, while organizers risk sentences of up to 14 years.

The government has been granted permission to appeal a court ruling that allowed Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori to challenge the ban.

In a separate protest elsewhere in London on Saturday, several thousand people marched in solidarity with Palestinians as the Israeli regime intensified strikes on Gaza. The Israeli occupation forces have declared their aim of seizing Gaza City amid the unfolding genocide. 

Palestine Action shuts down Elbit factory

Elbit Systems UK's arms factory in Bristol has gone quiet after years of determined resistance by Palestine Action, according to The Guardian, marking what campaigners see as a major victory against "Israel's" largest weapons producer.

The Aztec West facility, repeatedly targeted by direct actions, now sits deserted save for a lone security guard at the gate. Although Elbit had a lease lasting until 2029, the company has offered no explanation for the site's status. 

Palestine Action staged dozens of disruptive actions against the site, ranging from rooftop occupations and blockades to smashing windows and covering the premises in red paint to symbolize Palestinian blood. The latest protest, on July 1, came just days before the UK government banned the group under the Terrorism Act.

Campaigners argue that their actions have exacted a tangible toll. Elbit Systems UK swung from a £3.8 million profit in 2023 to a £4.7 million loss last year, with rising security costs and repeated shutdowns cited as key factors.